The Irish job market is experiencing significant changes, and those who want to succeed must adapt to the evolving skills required to thrive in the workplace. Globalisation, digital transformation, green transition, and demographic change are driving this transformation, and one way to stay ahead of the curve is through online learning.
Online learning provides a flexible and convenient way for individuals to learn at their own pace and convenience. It is not only a tool for education but also for career advancement, offering a cost-effective way to learn and upskill in areas critical to the development of Ireland’s economy. It is no surprise that the Irish Government’s FET Strategy 2020-2024 has identified the “FET College of the Future” as one of its goals, and online and blended learning methods have become a key component of many further education programmes.
The Higher Education Authority’s Springboard+ programme is a great example of how online learning can help individuals stay ahead of the curve. This programme offers more than 11,000 courses in areas critical to the development of Ireland’s economy, including cybersecurity, virtual reality, health innovation, logistics and online retail, as well as programmes in climate, sustainability, and energy.
For many individuals, achieving the right balance between demanding work schedules and the time available for study is crucial. This is where online learning can be an excellent way to balance work and career progression, work and education, work and personal growth, work and family commitments, and work and skill development. Online learning allows individuals to pursue their educational and career goals while balancing their personal commitments. The delivery of educational programmes is becoming more sophisticated, and many of the Springboard+ courses are available remotely or in a blended format.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to disrupt the job market, with many debates about how AI will change the job market. However, the impacts of current and future technological advances on working lives are expected to be stark, and it is vital to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. The Department of Further and Higher Education recently reviewed Ireland’s skills system and approach in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the National Training Fund (NTF) will invest over €900 million this year in skill-enhancement schemes for employed individuals and additional training for those seeking to acquire new skills to take up employment.
In conclusion, online learning is a valuable tool for individuals looking to adapt to the changing job market and stay ahead of the curve. The benefits of online learning are numerous, including flexibility, convenience, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. The delivery of educational programmes is becoming more sophisticated, and online and blended learning methods have become a key component of many further education programmes.
The Higher Education Authority’s Springboard+ programme offers individuals the opportunity to upskill in areas critical to the development of Ireland’s economy, and the National Training Fund will invest over €900 million this year in skill-enhancement schemes for employed individuals and additional training for those seeking to acquire new skills to take up employment.
With the right balance between demanding work schedules and the time available for study, online learning can help individuals achieve their educational and career goals while balancing their personal commitments. It’s time to embrace the power of online learning and take advantage of the many opportunities it provides to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing Irish job market.
